A celebration of life service was held Thursday at Rill's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard, Wash., for Fr. James W. Pommier, 86, Port Orchard, who died Jan. 28, 2012. Burial will be at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash., at a later date.

He was born April 1, 1925, to Fred and Muriel (Bunting) Pommier, on the family farm near Lignite, the fourth of 5 children.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his tour of duty he entered the Catholic priesthood and was ordained in 1954. He served in several parishes in southwestern North Dakota including New Leipzig, where he was instrumental in construction and dedication of the new church facilities. He also served as a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital in Minot for 12 years. He moved to Port Orchard in 1976 and for many years he served Mass at the Keyport Chapel. He worked at Naval Supply Center, Puget Sound, where he retired.

He enjoyed music, cooking, sewing and painting and was quite talented in all of those areas. He was also very much a humanitarian and one that would help anyone for any reason any time.

He is survived by his brother, Russell Pommier, of Oregon, and a sister Mavis Kalmbach, of Bremerton, Wash.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Healthy Start Kitsap, POB 3968, Silverdale, WA 98383. Online guest book is at (www.rill.com).